National Security Minister weighs in on recently released crime stats

“Encouraging and moving in the right direction,” said Deputy Premier and Minister of National Security the Hon. Michael H. Dunkley on the recent crime statistics released by the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) last Thursday (January 30).

The Minister continued, “Safe communities form the foundation for a recovery of the Island’s economic fortunes and this Government’s investment in keeping Bermuda safe by supporting the Bermuda Police Service is a sound strategy. The Police Commissioner, his senior command and the men and women of the BPS have worked extremely hard over several years to build solid community relationships and to provide strong enforcement action. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of the strategic focus on guns, gangs, drugs and violence.”

Reflecting on the increased community involvement, Minister Dunkley said, “As the Commissioner stated, this has been a community effort recognizing that enforcement is only one element of the success equation. That is why, concurrently, the Government has instituted programmes like GREAT in schools, supported Team StreetSafe in gang mediation efforts and committed to the core principles of the Inter-Agency Gang Task Force.

“Through Neighbourhood Watch 2.0, technology has also been introduced into the fight for safer neighbourhoods and with corporate support, this initiative is spreading and enhancing existing Neighbourhood Watches.”

Minister Dunkley concluded, “The progress that has been made is most encouraging and the Government will continue to support the Police in their mission of keeping Bermuda safe.”